Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

Athena’s life gets pretty complicated really quickly. What happens when your life blows up? You move into a place called the Spite House next door to your ex. Anyone who has had meddling in-laws will sympathize with Athena. This book had me laughing, crying, and smiling. There are some hard topics that could be triggering to some like the death of a child or severe depression. Wading through the painful topics was worth the marshmallow of a man, Matthew. A grumpy, complicated but incredibly sweet man will have you smiling and swooning. I really enjoyed this book so much that it was hard to put it down and not pick it immediately back up. Read this book, you won't regret it.

When Athena and her fiance Johnny split right before the wedding, it is too late for Athena to back out of purchasing the tiny spite house next to Johnny’s and across the alley from his bother Matthew’s house. She decides to stay but life in Harlot’s Bay is not easy. Athena does not have a steady job, her fiance, or familial support, which leads to a serious bout of depression she needs to work through. Matthew rightfully realizes that the split between Johnny and Athena was his fault so he does what he can to quietly make life easier for her, while falling for her himself.

I have been looking forward to this book so I was absolutely delighted to get an early digital copy. I love Olivia’s writing style. This book was the perfect blend of humor and heart. While too serious to be considered a rom-com, I found myself smiling and laughing several times throughout the story. This book had one of the most realistic depictions of depression I’ve read in a romance and I truly appreciate that Athena working through her depression involved medication, therapy, and the support of others instead of love as a magical cure-all. The book was a slow burn, but the steamy scenes were very steamy. As with the heroines of the other Olivia Dade books I’ve read, Athena is very comfortable in her plus sized body and Matthew is obsessed with her curves, as he should be. I am excited to see where this series takes us in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 41%. I really wanted to like this book! Unfortunately, I just couldn't get past the writing style. I thought the writing was clunky at points and hard to follow. I struggled with Athena and Matthew's banter at points....perhaps older readers will follow better? I also found Matthew's character perplexing. It was strange to me that he didn't know what rickrolling, Freddy Krueger, or lawful evil was. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

Olivia Dade is one of the best romance writers writing now. Her books are funny, sexy, and full of memorable characters. This book is no different.
Athena and Matthew antagonize each other, argue, prickle with disdain and guilt and finally find their way to each other while dealing with heavy emotional burdens. I loved this book every bit as much as they other from Dade and highly recommend it!

This one was just not for me. The writing style was a little clunky and the plot felt forced and improbable. I dislike the miscommunication trope where a simple conversation would resolve the main conflict. However, the depiction of depression and mental health is carefully and authentically done. It was a quick read. It may find its readers amongst Dade's already-established fans and for those wanting a slow-burn romance with some cute moments.

At First Spite" by Olivia Dade is a masterfully crafted rom-com that not only delivers on the promise of delightful characters and a charming storyline but also tackles the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and authenticity. Dade, a must-buy author, once again excels in creating characters that are irresistibly lovable, and the vividly crafted side characters enrich the world she builds within Harlot’s Bay.

The narrative kicks off with Athena Greydon, navigating the aftermath of a broken engagement by moving into the Spite House she recklessly bought for her ex-fiancé. The ensuing complications of living in a ten-foot-wide house, with her ex as a neighbor and the uptight Dr. Matthew Vine living on the other side, set the stage for a rom-com filled with grumpy/sunshine dynamics and enemies-to-lovers tropes.

However, the story takes a poignant turn as it delves into Athena's battle with depression, offering one of the most relatable and realistic depictions of mental health struggles. The author skillfully weaves this heavy theme into the narrative, elevating the story beyond typical romantic tropes. As Matthew becomes a pillar of support for Athena during her depressive episode, the depth and authenticity of their connection shine through, reducing readers to tears.

Dade's ability to balance humor and heartbreak is commendable, creating a story that is not just about romance but also about personal growth and overcoming mental health challenges. The characters' journey feels genuine, and Athena's struggles resonate with authenticity, making her a relatable and empathetic protagonist.

"At First Spite" is more than a rom-com; it's a heartfelt exploration of love, resilience, and the power of understanding and supporting someone through their darkest moments. Olivia Dade's storytelling prowess shines through, making this book a captivating and emotionally resonant read. It's a testament to her ability to create not just stories, but worlds that readers yearn to be a part of.

I have loved all of Olivia Dade’s books and At First Spite definitely delivered. It’s the first in a new series so there’s some world building happening which made the first third read a little slow for me. But once the relationship between Athena and Matthew picked up, I couldn’t put this one down.

From the beginning, we know that Athena blames Matthew for her broken engagement to his brother, Johnny, which is led to her living alone and unemployed in her “spite house” smack dab between the two brothers. She’s committed to petty revenge and her little pranks are hilarious. (Side note: romance readers will appreciate the judgment free ode to erotic monster romance that is this book!) For being 37 and 39, I wanted these two to talk to each other more than they did, but once they got around that initial awkwardness, I absolutely loved them together. The way they tenderly care for the other was really beautifully written.

Content flags include on page depression episodes and retelling of the accidental death of a child.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

My first Olivia Dade and book, we just did not click. I appreciate the body positivity and the depression representation but I could not get past "Professor Google" and the references to romance trope and genres - maybe a me thing, but I get pulled out of romance when it's too self-referential.

Another excellent contemporary romance from a consistently excellent author.

Dade's new Harlot's Bay series is off to a great start with this series launch. After Athena Greydon's fiancé ends their engagement at the urging of his older brother, she loses the safety net she was counting on and is forced to move into the house she recklessly bought as a wedding gift while she figures out her next steps. The problem with this is that the house is only 10 feet wide, and oh, it's located smack between the houses of her former fiancé Johnny and his irritating and uptight older brother Dr. Matthew Vine the Third. Athena is adrift personally and professionally and is forced to deal with both brothers more than she ever expected to, when all she really wants is to never see either of them again. Especially Dr. Matthew Vine the Third. Especially after he helps her move. Especially after he gives her leads on a new job. Especially after he listens to her and starts maybe even being nice to her...

This was a very emotional romance with lots of complex characters. There is a sensitive and accurate portrayal of depression, and although Athena is plus-sized, her body/body image is treated as a fact and isn't harped on or even really mentioned throughout the book. The book was well-paced and well-written (as usual for Dade) with enjoyable banter between the characters and fun antics. There were some colorful secondary characters that were just a treat to read about, and I hope we get to see more of them in future installments. I didn't love that the book started with a relationship with the male lead's brother, and the third act breakup and subsequent (extremely quick) forgiveness felt a little too neat and tidy, but overall the book was of the same phenomenal quality Dade's readers have come to expect. This will be an easy sell to her fans and is sure to win her some new ones. I'm already looking forward to more of this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warning for death of a baby. It is historical but comes up a lot. This is another fun book from Olivia Dade. I liked that the book took place over a decent amount of time and they really go to know each other while falling in love.

I love Olivia Dade and this book was great! I would definitely recommend this book to any and all patrons at my library for sure.

Olivia Dade is a must buy author for me, and her latest release is no different. She excels in creating characters that you can't help but fall in love with, including vividly crafted side characters that add a depth to the story. Her books aren't just about the romantic leads; she builds a world that I want to be a part of.

This book came with content warnings, and I definitely suggest heeding them. This plot deals with some very heavy themes, and is one of the most relatable depictions of depression that I've ever read. For the first third of the book, the grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers tropes were front and center, but when the female main character's depression takes control, the story really grabbed my attention. This is a story that is so much deeper than just its tropes. Watching as Matthew helped to bring Athena back to a more stable place, without judgment, just patiently supporting her through her depressive episode, reduced me to tears. In reading how Athena worked through her challenges, one of the most realistically portrayed mental health episodes I've ever read, I saw myself on the page.

Please take caution and check trigger warnings, because the lighthearted cartoon cover doesn't hint at the heavy themes contained in the book - but if you do decide to read it, trust that you're going to experience one of the most memorable romances I've read in a long time.

Please, this book was frickin perfect, I love them both so much 😭 I admit I spent the first 30-40% SUPER skeptical of the MMC (and even outright annoyed at him), BUT I did a full 180 on my opinion of him after *one* particular scene where he does a huge grand gesture 😭 it takes a while for the MMC to be more open to the FMC (and to us, the reader) about why he made/makes certain choices, and I really started rooting for him after that.

I was pretty much rooting for the FMC right from page 1, I really aspire to have her passion and her confrontational skills 😭

They two were so cute together, and their enemies to friends to lovers arc was the bestest. Also, the third act breakup was actually meaningful for both MCs in this book, probably one of the only books I feel this way for. They both grew through it, and the third act grand gesture was frickin perfect. 10/10 I'd read a hundred extra pages of fluff between these two MCs.

ALSO, the suicidal depression rep was done so well. The descent into the depression, and the slow journey the FMC took to heal from it (I'm not sure if I'm using the correct terminology here) with the help of friends/family/therapy/medicine was written so frickin well.

TWs - suicidal thoughts (although with no immediate thoughts of suicide) on page, depression on page, death of a younger sibling due to negligence (past, but described on page), eldest sibling forced to assume the roles of a parent, parental negligence (off page)

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon/Harper Voyager, for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
There's a lot to like about this romance novel. I appreciated that the author was willing to tackle the topic of depression, which is a heavier topic than typically seen in the romance genre. I couldn't quite get over the ick factor of the fact that the Athena was once engaged to Matthew's brother. There were a few attempts at humor that fell flat to me, but overall the author did successfully give us a rom-com despite some heavy topics. Readers should check the trigger warnings before choosing to read this, but overall it's a thumbs-up.

Olivia Dade continues to write the best romances out there. This book tore my heart out, stomped on it, bandaged it up, and then gave it a kiss. I felt all the emotions reading this, and I couldn’t wait to see what Dade had in store for Athena. And speaking of Athena. WHAT. A. WOMAN. I need more main characters like this, please. She was just so realistic and flawed and I related to her inner dialogue a little too realistic. If you’re looking for some romantic tension and angst (with more than a little spice) read this!

Thank you NetGalley for the read!

I love Olivia’s book! So much fun and such well written characters, such a fun, romantic story! I love the two leads and the journey they go on together.

At First Spite was my third Olivia Dade novel and my favorite to date. I was impressed at how Dade incorporated some serious and somewhat dark obstacles, including mental health challenges and family trauma, balanced out with excellent chemistry, entertaining banter, and some very nerdy jokes. Both main characters felt fully fleshed out and compellingly unique, and I found myself completely invested in their relationship. Moreover, I also enjoyed the kooky supporting cast (especially the book club devoted to monster erotica) and am thrilled to learn that Dade plans to make this book the first in the Harlot’s Bay series. Highly recommend this charming (but not fluffy) romance!

Oh I absolutely LOVED this one! Literally has some of my favorite tropes so I knew I would enjoy it. This does talk about some pretty heavy topics so please check trigger warnings! This is such an emotional rollercoaster but it's also very beautiful!

Overall, this book was not for me.
First, the first 60% of this book is just really sad (please check content warnings if you are sensitive to certain topics and would rather not read them).

Second, the way she feels about Matthew for the first 1/3rd of the book and her reasons why - I had a hard time suspending reality that she would move past it to fall in love with him (there is an explanation at 50+% that is plausible, I suppose. It just takes a LONG time to get there).

Last, and this is nitpicky, but Athena, the heroine, keeps referring to Google as Professor Google (and there a LOT of references) - and I wanted to stab myself every time it was on the page.

Maybe I would feel differently if i had gone into this book knowing exactly what it includes, but I went into it because of Olivia Dade’s other books (which I LOVE and have rated 4 and 5 ⭐️) and the cute cover and this book is not that.

At First Spite very quickly became a 'life is just a series of events that keeps me from reading my book' book.

Athena and Johnny are ready to get married when Johnny calls off the engagement with two months left to walk down the aisle. Athena knows that her former future brother in law, Dr. Matthew Vine the Third, convinced him to dump her. All she can do is move into Spite House, the narrow home that she drained her savings to buy her former fiance as a wedding gift. It also happens to be sandwiched right between the two brothers' homes, leaving Athena living next door to the man who insisted that she'd be a bad wife. He already thinks the worst of her, so why not live up to the house's name?

Matthew is shocked that Athena bothered to move in to Spite House at all. Once she does, the proximity forces him to get a better look at Athena as a person, her motivations, and her inner workings, he understands just how wrong he was about her as a person and just how right she is for... him.

The beautiful strength of this book is in the vulnerability of the main characters. Athena's doubts about herself hurt to see as the reader (hopefully) sees her as Matthew does, yet she can't see herself. It calls to anyone who has felt unsure of themselves. The same goes for Matthew's history of parentification and the resulting inability to put his happiness first. It hurts to see, but seeing them recognize what the other doesn't and do right by one another is oh, so sweet.

This book has a great setting (Harlot's Bay, with several olde timey insults for women reclaimed as names around town), wonderful side characters, and excellent book club shenanigans.

The loss of one star comes from:
- The lack of space for resolution of the Johnny/Matthew/Athena problem. Matthew and Athena definitively act on their feelings at roughly the 75% mark, leaving little space to adequately address the fact that Matthew has fallen in love with his brother's ex, who he encouraged him to leave in the first place. With that much book left, it makes for a hasty third act break up, personal realizations, and reconciliation that didn't fully satisfy me. I don't fault the length of the buildup and can't think of anything I'd cut to give the final act more space, so I fully suggest that the book could/should have been longer.
- The grovel. Was second-hand embarrassing cringe. And yes, I understand that that was the idea because it parallels the way Athena harasses Matthew when she first moved in, it was Tina Belcher Erotic Friend Fiction Cringe mixed with an attempt at the Patric Verona song and dance from 10 Things.
- Johnny. I just felt that there wasn't enough growth on his part. He STILL GOES ON THE HONEYMOON ATHENA PLANNED, and has the audacity to take extra time on it. He seems to begin realizing where he went wrong, but never shows that he's thought on his behavior beyond how he mistreated Athena. He doesn't show that he's truly realized just how selfish he's been over all. I'm not sure I will have enough curiosity to see how Johnny's romance turns out if he gets a book.
- Karl. I loved Karl and wanted the foul-mouthed, grumpy, curmudgeonly, baker to have his own book until he made the choice to fire Athena. I understand that many would make the same decision, but the idea that Karl fired Athena in favor of Charlotte, who keeps quitting and rejoining because she keeps trying to make it work with her kids' dad, didn't sit well with me. Yes, Karl justifies it with they both do good work, but Charlotte has a kids to feed, didn't sway me enough, especially as she has done this to him in the past and comes back knowing that he'll drop better workers for her. Karl knowing that not only had Athena done good work but was actually beginning to make changes that would bring him MORE revenue in favor of Charlotte just angered me.

All in all, a solid first of a series set in a very charming location.